OSHA Inspector Shortage Threatens Proactive Workplace Safety Enforcement
- The Department of Labor’s inspector general reports that OSHA’s federal safety inspector headcount dropped from 846 to 736 between early 2024 and mid-2025.
- This significant reduction in personnel limits the agency’s ability to conduct proactive workplace inspections within high-hazard industries.
- Consequently, enforcement efforts may shift primarily toward reactive investigations following reported injuries or fatalities.
- These staffing challenges directly impact the agency’s oversight of employer safety compliance.
OSHA Removes 16 Outdated Test Standards from NRTL Program
- OSHA has removed 16 recognized test standards from its Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Program to keep workplace equipment safety requirements current.
- The standards were deleted because the original standards development organizations had already withdrawn them.
- Laboratories affected must review their documentation and quality systems to maintain compliance for product safety certification.
- One specific standard, ISA 12.12.01, has been replaced by UL 121201.
OSHA Cites Horizon Biofuels Following Fatal Explosion
- Following a fatal July 2025 explosion, OSHA cited Horizon Biofuels Inc. for multiple safety violations.
- Investigators determined that hazardous levels of combustible dust had accumulated throughout the facility.
- The company also failed to protect electrical equipment from ignition sources and lacked proper fall protection.
- Consequently, the Department of Labor proposed penalties totaling $147,542 for these workplace hazards.
- These citations include one willful and four serious violations discovered during the inspection.